Mercedes Ruehl

Biography

Mercedes Ruehl, born on February 28, 1948, in Jackson Heights, Queens, New York, is an American actress known for her work in film, television, and theater. She graduated from the College of New Rochelle in 1969. Ruehl is the daughter of Vincent Ruehl, an FBI agent, and Mercedes J. Ruehl, a school teacher. She has one brother, Peter Ruehl, a newspaper columnist based in Australia. Ruehl is married to painter David Geiser, and they have two sons: Jake, adopted in 1997, and Christopher. Standing at 5 feet 11 inches tall, Ruehl has received critical acclaim for her performances, including a Tony Award for her role in the stage play "The Goat, or Who is Sylvia?" and an Academy Award for her performance in the film "The Fisher King." She continues to reside in the United States.